Anyone who knows me knows how important it is to me to lead a balanced, and overall heathy lifestyle. I allow myself indulgences so I don’t go crazy whenever they come around. In this post, I’m going to break down the vitamins, supplements, and skin care products I use every day, why I use them, and when I take them.
Supplements + vitamins:
Garcinia Cambogia + Apple cider vinegar drops
How to take it: using the dropper provided, fill it up to the 1 mL mark. Drop on tongue, hold in mouth for 30 seconds, then swallow.
When I take it: in the morning, usually after I’ve had my morning soda for a boost of caffeine. Always before I eat anything.
Why I take it: though there’s been much speculation as to whether or not apple cider vinegar has any proven health benefits as far as metabolism and weight loss go, I use this supplement daily because I feel like it helps support a healthy digestive system. Plus, it tastes really really good, so it’s a win-win.
Vitamins for skin, hair + nails
How to take it: swallow one capsule with water
When I take it: every night before I go to bed
Why I take it: I mainly take these vitamins for hair health. Since my hair is incredibly important to me, I always do everything in my power to make sure I keep it as healthy as I possibly can. Taking these vitamins every day helps ensure that goal. Since taking them regularly, I’ve noticed more thickness in my hair, and also more stubbornness when it comes to my roots lifting when I get it done.
Vitamin B-2
How to take it: swallow 4 tablets with water
When I take it: every night before bed
Why I take it: B-2 (riboflavin) is a vitamin that supports overall health. It helps the body breakdown carbs, proteins, and fats to produce energy; and also allows oxygen to be used by the body. It’s also believed to help with migraines, which is why I started taking it daily in the first place, as I’ve suffered from chronic migraines since my teen years.
Magnesium
How to take it: swallow one tablet with water
When I take it: every night before bed
Why I take it: every cell in our bodies needs magnesium to function and contains it naturally. It helps support hundreds of chemical reactions in our body, including: energy creation, protein creation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. Magnesium is so important, and we often don’t get the correct amount we need daily; which is why I take a vitamin for it every night to help make sure that I do.
Selenium
How to take it: swallow one tablet with water
When I take it: every night before bed
Why I take it: selenium is an essential mineral that assists with cognitive function and fertility (though I don’t really need the fertility aspect myself, it’s still good to know!) Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant, and is also believed to help protect against heart disease and possibly prevent certain cancers. In addition, it helps with thyroid function, prevents mental decline, and boosts your immune system as well. Since selenium is obtained through diet, I take this vitamin nightly to make sure I get in the right amount needed for my body.
Skincare:
Walgreen’s Hydrating Water Gel
How to use it: using your fingers or application, take desired amount, and apply onto clean face
When I use it: every morning (usually after I’ve gotten my cardio in for the day), after my face has just been washed with cold water; and every night before bed, after I’ve cleaned my face with a makeup wipe and face cloth with cold water
Why I use it: I have sensitive skin and have never needed much as far as skin care goes, however, this past winter my skin felt drier than normal, and I felt like my skin needed some serious quenching—and fast. Cue the Walgreen’s version of Neutrogena’s Hydroboost Water Gel. This gel moisturizers main ingredient is hyaluronic acid (h2O), which nourishes, replinishes, and rehydrates your skin. Our bodies produce hyaluronic acid naturally, and this gel helps bring that natural water to the surface of our skin. I also use this on my neck and hands. Last winter, my hands got so dry they began to crack and bleed regularly, and this gel was the only thing that saved them. I also use this as a primer for makeup, as shown here.
Barecat 3 in 1 Facial Serum
How to use it: using the dropper, put drops directly onto face, or put 3-5 drops in your hands. Rub hands together, then put directly onto skin, and massage in gently.
When I use it: every morning after my face is washed, before I put on my moisturizer; and every night before I go to bed, after my face has been washed, and again, before I apply my moisturizer.
Why I use it: this serum is actually brand new to my skin care routine! Recently, my boyfriend and I were out in California with the CBD company my boyfriend works with. While we were there, they gifted me with this amazing CBD infused facial serum. In all honesty, I was a little skeptical at first because I’m not a huge fan of serums in general, but this one blew me away! Although I’ve only been using it for a short amount of time, I’ve noticed a reduction in redness, softer skin overall, and a brighter glow to my skin as well! The ingredients include: CBD oil, coconut oil, apricot oil, aloe Vera oil, sunflower seed oil, and lavender essential oil (I love lavender!) It’s not oily at all and smells fantastic.
